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Author: Zoya Hsu
Photo by: Zoya Hsu. A display of the tote bags
On November 6, students and faculty from Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Textiles and Clothing and Department of English Language and Literature gathered at the Global Lounge for an afternoon charity sale in support of Ukraine. Featuring student-designed logos on tote bags, stickers, and clothing, the sale pledged 60% of the proceeds to war-affected Ukraine, which reflects Fu Jen’s dedication to turning cultural compassion into meaningful action and reinforcing the university’s commitment to global empathy.
This charity sale marks a significant milestone in the year-long FJU HOPE Project. Under the leadership of Prof. Wei-Cherng Sam Jheng, Department Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, the project fostered collaboration among faculty experts and students from diverse disciplines. Anchored in course-based learning with a foundation in cultural education, the HOPE Project brought together specialized skills from various fields, transforming academic knowledge into practical application.
Ukraine’s global role has become increasingly critical as it faces Russian aggression, affecting international security on multiple levels. Ukraine’s resistance has demonstrated its commitment to protecting democratic principles and upholding international law, which many Western allies view as essential for maintaining a stable global order (Shovkoplias). As the conflict in Ukraine impacts their daily life, Ukrainian college students are facing emotional and psychological struggles. A recent study found that nearly all respondents (97.8%) reported deteriorated mental health, with high levels of depression, exhaustion, loneliness, nervousness, and anger (Kurapov et al. 167). These findings highlight the urgent need for support resources to help them continue their education and rebuild their lives.
Furthermore, these hardships demonstrate the necessity for international solidarity and active measures to address the needs of those affected by the war. Various sectors in Slovakia have organized events to support Ukraine on the second anniversary of the Ukraine war. Ukraine and Slovakia also expressed gratitude to Taiwan for its support. Taiwan’s efforts, including humanitarian aid and diplomatic backing, have been significant in helping both nations (“Two-Year Anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War”). Prof. Wei-Cherng Sam Jheng at FJU has also recognized this resilience and responded through the HOPE project, which bridges cultural compassion with support for Ukraine.
The “Fu Jen HOPE Project: Telling Stories through Cultural Creativity” emerged from a 2023 collaboration between the College of Foreign Languages and the College of Textiles at Fu Jen Catholic University. This initial project aimed to support war-affected individuals using recycled fabrics to create gifts for Kyiv residents and Ukrainian refugee students in Germany. Following the success of this initiative, the colleges expanded their efforts and established the HOPE Project as a broader platform to address global issues through cultural creativity and education. The expanded project, which consists of “Sustainable Textiles” and “Cultural Creation,” strives to encourage students to engage with global challenges through knowledge, empathy, and action.
The HOPE Project centers on a curriculum that integrates cultural studies, design, and practical skills in cultural production. Take the course Western Civilization as an example; this course explores key trends in Western civilization over the past 500 years, emphasizing art history (e.g., Baroque, Impressionism) and intellectual movements (e.g., Enlightenment, Modernism). Students critically analyze representative works and participate in a creative group project, interpreting cultural texts and expressing insights through visual designs transferred onto tote bags. These activities not only deepen students’ understanding of visual translation but also invest in a sense of humanitarian values.
Prof. Jheng’s goal is to bridge language, design, and cultural studies, encouraging students to see the impact of their work beyond the classroom. When it comes to the origins of the project, as the organizer, he shared his vision for a transformative educational experience, explaining the Cultural Creativity and Business Communication (CCBC) program. This new curriculum integrates cultural creativity into literary studies to shift students’ perspectives on literature as something practical and impactful. By embedding cultural expression into literary coursework, he aims to reshape these views by showing how literature can be translated into products that express cultural insights. This interdisciplinary approach nurtures students’ creativity, helping them understand that their studies can contribute meaningfully to global issues. Through the HOPE Project, they learn about culture and actively engage with it, creating products that carry the essence of their academic knowledge to a broader audience.
Photo by: Michelle Huang. Professor Wei-Cherng Sam Jheng shares insights during the interview on the HOPE Project.
Photo by: Zoya Hsu. Students purchasing the tote bags.
In the charity sale event, students from both departments collaborated to create various cultural products. English Department students designed unique logos, while Textiles Department students contributed intricate embroidery patterns. Together, these designs were transformed into tote bags, stickers, and clothing. The sale took place over a single afternoon at Global Lounge, inviting students and staff to support global compassion through these meaningful products. With 60% of the proceeds donated to communities affected by war in Ukraine, this event demonstrated Fu Jen’s commitment to connecting education with empathy, creating a tangible impact through cultural expression.
With the success of the charity sale, the HOPE Project officially concluded its 2024 efforts. Asher Lee, a junior participant from the English Department, described it as an unparalleled experience. Starting from scratch, he infused his interpretation of “hope” with cultural elements from Western Civilization, transforming his care for Ukraine into designs. This experience broadened his global vision and sparked a newfound interest in design, leading him to pursue a minor in a related field this semester.
Professor Huei-Lien Hsu, who has firsthand experience interacting with Ukrainian refugees, shared insights from her journalism career. “Our students from FJCU built friendships with Ukrainian students in another project, staying connected through WhatsApp and sharing their experiences,” she shared. “They chatted about everything, from holidays in both countries to their hobbies. As that project developed, students from the College of Textiles and Fashion designed custom T-shirts and bags for them. What we have done became more than just items—they symbolized care, connection, and solidarity, making the Ukrainian students feel seen, supported, and valued during such a challenging time.”
Furthermore, Professor Hsu reflected on the power of cultural creativity and connection, sharing, “When the Ukrainian students got the bags, they were curious and asked what they were for. It sparked a fun and meaningful exchange where our students got to explain this part of everyday life in Taiwan. Something as simple as a cup-holding bag turned into a way to share cultures and stories, creating real connections between us and the Ukrainian students.”
Classrooms at FJU integrate practical skills to enable students to create designs that extend beyond theoretical discussions. At the same time, we foresee the limitless potential of Fu Jen students. While the HOPE Project’s tasks may have concluded, the spirit of sending hope to Ukraine remains everlasting.
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